Part Two of the interview with Zen and The City. In first part Claudia told us about Tokyo and Japanese culture, with Stefania Campanella instead let's take a leap into the Big Apple, a New York.
Interview with The City
You and New York, when does this story begin?
It begins like all love stories and that is with a "Who is this stroxxo?", Quoting Flaiano. In fact, the first time I went to NY was in 1992, back from three months in California. I found it unbearable. Then, I met her again, years later, and from there I can't stay too long without going back. When I'm in Italy, I read books on NY, I see films set there and I write to those who live there. I am thinking of the meeting with Tiziana Nenezic for example or with Mauro Suttora, authors of two books on The City.
Your last trip?
Last April. I must say that I went several times to move there for a few months and try my luck, but then in the end something always prevented me. In the end, it's fine for me to experience the city like this, as a guest. However, I would not say as a tourist, because for example, I have never climbed on Statue of Liberty. I go to NY for how it makes me feel not to see things.
What do you do when you are there? Which area do you prefer?
I know well Manhattan (lie, nobody knows), and I love theEast Side. There are several places where you can hear lots of live music and special restaurants (latest discovery: Hummus) and I like to rent a small apartment when I'm there. I am friends with two Mexicans who run a bar on the corner of 1th and XNUMXst avenue, "breakfast" always there. Then, during the day, I go on long walks and a bit of bizarre shopping. After a nice shower, I go to listen to some music: I met a group, i Lost Revolution, who we'll be interviewing on Zen and the City next month and a crazy good guitarist, Will Hanza. People in hand, inviting you to have a beer, even if they might as well throw it from my point of view ... Then there are the supermarkets, I could really spend hours on it, and Central Park, the most poetic point of New York. Now, nostalgia is rising and because of this interview I will have to go back as soon as possible;))
What if I talk bad about it?
But ... I repeat, not living there, it is like between two lovers, passion does not fade away... I have read that there are many cockroaches that invade even the cleanest houses and as entomophobic it worries me a lot. It never happened to me though. I also think it's an expensive city, but it's not like Rome or Paris are joking.
What are the unmissable things to do in New York?
I would like to answer stroll aimlessly for the city. In any case, I would recommend:
- a dinner at Buddakan
- a hot dog from Papaya
- one visit to Moma
- round trip on the boat that goes to Staten Island
- shopping at Victoria's Secret
- one evening at Arlene Grocery to listen to non-famous bands
- one Sunday at Central Park
- a walk on the brooklyn bridge at sunset
- a tour of Union Square with sushi bought from Wholesale and eaten in the gardens in the square
In fact, this list may never end. For this I have decided to write a blog :)
Other tips for those who want to go there without spending a bingo?
But, despite being opposed to guides (in the sense of trips planned only through guides) I would say that Cheap bastard's guide is essential for a low-cost trip. It explains how it is possible to live for free in New York without giving up anything. Fantastic isn't it?
Who likes New York?
To those looking for food for the head, whatever their interests. If you are looking for relaxation for the body on a trip, you go to the Maldives, if you want to work on an emotional level, New York is fine. I used the verb work because above all Manhattan devours you, it sucks you in, while paying you back. In short, I work in the sense of energetic commitment. I've always said that after a trip to NY you live on income for months (talking about emotions).
